Cedar Point train still on track after 100 million rides

Saturday, 06 May 2006

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - Rides don't have be tall and fast to be fun -- and the proof is some of the most popular rides at Cedar Point are the slowest.

CP & LE Railroad has given more than 100 million rides since it opened in 1963. The most rides it ever gave in one season was 4.5 million in 1970, which is when Frontiertown opened and the train was the main way to get to the area, said park spokesman Bryan Edwards.

In comparison, Millennium Force gave 1.4 million rides in 2005. Cedar Point opens for the season today. The park has 68 rides, including 16 roller coasters.

"All ages use it," Edwards said of the train. "It's really a fun family ride, young and old alike can ride. It's my favorite ride at the park. The cool breeze coming off the lake. It's relaxing."

It must run in the family because Sarah Clary, Edward's cousin, who attended Thursday's Media Day at the park, loves the train as well.

"Also the Mine Ride is fun," said the 16-year-old from Strongsville, Ohio, of the gentle coaster.

This year, Edwards suspects the train could be even more popular.

The train goes right by the former White Water Landing site, which is under construction for what coaster enthusiasts are calling "Project 2007."

Cedar Point isn't revealing the future of the mystery site yet, but a 500-foot coaster, dueling coasters and the joke of Cedar Point just improving the landscaping are among the theories.

But Edwards doesn't expect the construction to overshadow the slow rides.

Another popular slow ride is the Space Spiral, which opened in 1965 and has given more than 32 million rides.

"It's an observation ride," Edwards said. "You can go up and really see the park. When you are at the top, you see downtown Sandusky and see down to the Edison bridge."

Although the Space Spiral has gotten stuck before, it's never been for long, he said.

The nearby Giant Wheel is also a fan favorite. The Giant Wheel opened in 1972 and has given more than 20 million rides. It was moved to the Wicked Twister Midway, along the Cedar Point beach, at the end of the 1999 season to make room for the Millennium Force.

A lot of family thrill rides were built in the late 60s and early 70s, according to Edwards. Not only were they fairly cheap to build, but they remained popular.

"They need maintenance as they get older, but if it gets to a point where there is a safety issue, we won't run it," Edwards said.

John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, said slow rides are just as much part of the amusement park experience as the thrill rides. His favorite slow ride is Paddlewheel Excursions.

"When I need to chill out, I get on the boat," Hildebrandt said.

CP & LE Railroad has given more than 100 million rides since it opened in 1963.

The Giant Wheel opened in 1972 and has given more than 20 million rides.

The Space Spiral, which opened in 1965, has given more than 32 million rides.

The Sky Ride opened in 1961 and has given more than 81 million rides.

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